Myanmar's mobile carriers grapple with tax hike targeting internet

Military government tightens grip on symbol of country's market opening

Foreign wireless operators Telenor and Ooredoo entered Myanmar in 2014 in what was seen as a symbol of the country's market liberalization.

Nikkei staff writers

January 20, 2022 11:15 JST

BANGKOK -- Myanmar's military government will raise taxes on the revenue that telecommunications companies gain from internet services, imposing further challenges on the nation's wireless carriers.

The State Administration Council said this month that taxes on revenue from internet services -- both mobile data and connections via fixed lines -- will increase to 15% from 5%. Separately, a tax of 20,000 kyat ($11) will be levied when new mobile SIM cards are first used.